Cycling: Cavendish wins stage as Contador takes title

(GETTY IMAGES)

Spain's Alberto Contador secured his second Tour de France by coming through the final dash into Paris unscathed as Mark Cavendish claimed another stage victory in dominant style on the Champs Elysee.

Astana rider Contador was joined on the 2009 podium by team-mate Lance Armstrong, who finished third at the age of 37, capping an unprecedented comeback four years after retiring.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck of Team Saxo Bank split the two in second place while Bradley Wiggins matched the best finish by a British rider by claiming fourth for Garmin Slipstream.

The last stage provided yet another chance for Wiggins' compatriot Cavendish to prove he is the fastest man on a bike as he surged clear of the field for a remarkably comfortable victory - the first by a British rider on the Champs Elysee.

Cavendish has won six of the 21 stages in this year's Tour for a career total of 10.